Overview & Reviews

Small SUVs like the Mercury Mariner represent one of the near-perfect compromises of the automotive world. They allow consumers to sit up high with a broad view of the road, load up children and cargo without bending and twisting, and plow through freak winter storms without stopping to put on snow chains. Yet, unlike larger SUVs, they're easy to drive, easy to park and (mostly) easy on the wallet when it comes time to refuel.

As such, having a compact sport-utility in the lineup is a must for any successful automotive brand. Mercury was a latecomer to this segment, adding the Mariner to its portfolio for 2005. Only three years later, it received a thorough cosmetic freshening and that was followed the next year by mechanical improvements. Sadly, this addition to the lineup wasn't enough to save Mercury, as the brand was gone after 2011.

A sibling of the Ford Escape and Mazda Tribute, the Mercury Mariner compact crossover SUV used all the same underpinnings as its relatives, but gained unique styling touches inside and out. In general, it was a mid-pack choice for a modern compact SUV; other top crossovers typically offered greater refinement, versatility and overall performance.

Most Recent Mercury Mariner
The Mariner was sold for two generations. The more recent version was offered from 2008-'11. Compared to earlier Mariners, these newer models featured an exterior and interior makeover that improved quality.

Mercury offered two trim levels: base and the more upscale Premier. In that first year, a 2.3-liter inline-4 rated for 153 horsepower and 152 pound-feet of torque powered the base Mariner. The base V6 and Premier models came with a 3.0-liter V6 good for 200 hp and 193 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive was available across the board.

For 2009, mechanical changes were made. The inline-4 grew to 2.5 liters and 171 hp, the V6 was pumped up to 240 hp and both were matched to a new six-speed automatic transmission. That year also saw the debut of Ford's Sync multimedia voice control system and a revised suspension that improved ride quality. In light of all that, the 2009 and later Mariners are the more desirable ones. A number of high-tech features arrived for 2010, including Ford's MyKey system (which allows parents to limit speed and audio volume for their teen drivers), a back-up camera and a nifty Auto Park feature that steers the car during parallel parking.

Although the Mariner had some desirable technology features, its subpar brakes and aged overall design were fairly apparent when compared to rivals from Chevrolet, Honda, Hyundai and Toyota. As such, if you're shopping for a used compact SUV, we recommend that you also consider those competitors before making a decision.

Past Mercury Mariners
The Mercury Mariner was introduced for 2005 as a slightly more upscale twin to the Ford Escape. As such, the pre-2008 models suffered from poor interior materials just like the Escape. Still, this "original" model was pleasant to drive, with tight and responsive handling that only fails to impress when compared with newer compact SUVs. From '05 through '08, the Mariner was powered by either by a 2.3-liter inline-4 that made 153 hp or a 3.0-liter V6 making 200 hp -- both of which came with a four-speed automatic transmission. The '05 to '07 Mariner came in base Convenience, midlevel Luxury and high-line Premier trims. The Convenience model offered basics like air-conditioning, a CD player and power accessories, while the Luxury moved you up to a V6 engine and a few more features. The Premier's highlights included leather seating, rear parking sensors and side airbags.

User Reviews:

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  Still Rolling Along @ 371,538 Miles - 2006 Mercury Mariner
  By Bill W - August 18 - 9:25 pm

  I am the original owner of my 2006 Mercury Mariner SUV (4 Cylinder / 4WD). I purchased it brand new back in 2006. It has been my daily driver to and from work, I drive 92 miles each way in good weather and bad weather. I wanted to share my feelings, this has got to be the BEST VEHICLE that I ever purchased. I am very proactive on maintaining my vehicle, I have changed the oil every 5k miles along with tire rotations, knock on wood that I have not really had anything major happen since buying it other than replacing the tires, front brakes, back brakes only 1X, the serpentine belt 1x, plugs 2x, the battery 1x, the windshield from a stone crack, the alternator 1x, wiper blades many times and the AC Compressor just died, no biggie ..... Also back in 2010 I got rear ended and I thought the insurance company would have considered it a total loss, they ended up paying more for repairs that the value of the vehicle, crazy ! My paint is smooth as glass and the interior is pretty much mint, I really keep it detailed all the time ! Mercury did a great job on the build on this vehicle, I would purchase another if they continued selling them, but the product line got the axe. The engine runs awesome and the transmission is perfect ! Yes, I had the fluid drained from the tranny 2x, no pressure flush, just a drain and fill, same with radiator, no pressure flush, just drain and fill, fluids always look clean. Thank You, Mercury !

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  Great Small SUV - 2007 Mercury Mariner
  By Stephen from CT - August 5 - 6:33 pm

  I had been considering the Mariner for about six months now, comparing it intensly to the Ford Escape and the Honda CR-V. But then my son had said he stopped by our local Lincoln Mercury dealer and said they had one fully loaded V-6 with AWD left. AS it turned out, I bought the car the next day. Great Handling SUV, handles much like a car and is easier to maneuver in parking than my Chevrolet Impala. The interior is very tastefully done and I love the 6-disc CD Changer and the Audiophile sound system. Rides very comfortably and the V-6 is deceptively fast. You quickly find yourself speeding in this vehicle mostly because the engine doesnt rev that hard to get up to speed.

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  Classy little truck, dont pass it up - 2006 Mercury Mariner
  By Chuck - July 31 - 6:23 am

  Overall impression: The exterior of this truck is outstanding.The front and rear fascia make this vehicle classy. Mercury did a great job separating this from the Escape. The interior is equally impressive. The black leather with tan suede inserts steals the show. Truck drives very well, very comfortable, only detractors are tire/driveline noise but its not too bad. You really wont hear it since you will have the mach 360 stereo turned up! Gas mileage is not up to par, hopefully it will improve with more miles on it (averaging 17 mpg city so far).

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  Ok for to and from but not a big city vehicle - 2011 Mercury Mariner
  By lilj509 - July 23 - 6:44 pm

  It was time to get a new vehicle, and the salesman said it was "zippy" for a 4 cylinder. It seemed ok when I took it for a test drive on surface streets, but after getting it on the highway, I realized it is not at all "zippy." It has no pick up and go, especially when you have anyone else in the car or anything heavy in the car. It would be great for an older couple who are just going to and from the store, etc., but living in a big city and merging on and off of the highway, this car really is a disappointment. The body style is a little out-dated but at least it doesnt look like a bug, like most newer SUVs do. It gets 24 miles/gallon. The digital fuel gage is rarely accurate.

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  The Perfect Car - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By SGman - July 21 - 12:36 pm

  My Mariner is the perfect car. It has more features for a great price than I ever expected. The interior looks like a European luxury car. Nobody in my family can believe how quick this car is. The exterior is great, with the brushed chrome detailing. No problems with the ice and snow, and it heats up in minutes. All in all, I am using a lot of gas because I cant stay out of it. The gas mileage isnt the greatest, but neither are most SUVs. Even my 6ft.3 brother doesnt complain about the room. My Mariner is the perfect car!

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  Best small SUV - 2006 Mercury Mariner
  By Sarah - July 5 - 3:23 pm

  I shopped all around and almost bought a Jeep, and now looking back Im so glad that didnt work out! I tend to have a short liking to car and always look for change, but I love this SUV! It has great space, fuel is alright (after all it is a SUV) the only thing I would change is that there is no thermostat in the control center. Other than that I tell everyone to buy one!

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  Moms Car - 2009 Mercury Mariner
  By Maynard - July 1 - 9:36 am

  We have about 1200 miles on this car. About 23 mpg. The 6 speed auto took a little getting used to. 240 hp definitely makes this Merc fly.

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  Great SUV - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By Ann - June 27 - 12:40 am

  Have had this SUV for a year now. Bought it for our expanding family. Its great. Rides smooth and much quieter than my previous Ford Ranger FX4. Lots of room for a stroller and groceries and lots of leg room in the back for the times I needed to be back there with the baby. Smooth handling and steering though a little soft in the rain. The seats are very comfortable but do not like the headrests. They do not tilt and cannot be removed so I have to sit with my head tilted forward, uncomfortable. Since they are for safety in a collision I am willing to live with it. Do not like the faux marble center console. Would have preferred solid black plastic or vinyl even. Would definitely by again.

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  Not Up to Par - 2006 Mercury Mariner
  By vanz73 - June 10 - 11:10 pm

  This is an okay vehicle after 20K miles. My prior vehicles were a Ford Explorer and Expedition. I loved both of these. The Mariner is decent. Low priced compared to competitors (about $3K less than the Japanese models). Would I buy it again? No. The continuously variable transmission robs a great deal of power from the engine. It has had several issues that were covered by warranty except one that the mechanic has yet to fix (the gas pump keeps turning off before it is full even at the slowest setting). The vehicle often struggles trying to accelerate at highway speeds (40 to 70 mph range).

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  Excellent midsize SUV - 2006 Mercury Mariner
  By Noel - May 26 - 3:13 am

  I traded a Dodge Dakota and a PT Cruiser in for the Mercury and am completely satisfied. It handles like a sports sedan, gets reasonable mileage, and is very comfortable. It is one of the few SUVs that include crossbars on the roof rack